FEB 2013 – CHAMBER OFFERS PRIVILEGE TO PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

Redlands Chamber of Commerce President’s Circle

 

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is now offering a unique and exciting opportunity to our local businesses, and community leaders.

“Extraordinary Benefits for Distinguished Members”.

$1000.000 Annual membership in the Circle includes:

Membership includes;

Name and company name listed on Chamber Letterhead

Name and Company logo listed in the Directory and on the chamber website

Annual ticket for Rise ‘n Shine

Logo on banner proudly displayed in chamber office

Name in each edition of chamber electronic newsletter

One E-blast semi annually

2 tickets to each Chamber mixer

2 tickets to State of the Community luncheon

2 tickets to Annual Installation Dinner

Press release announcing President’s Circle appointment

Ad on the City Street Map – NEW, $475 VALUE

Ad in the Annual Business Directory – NEW, $475 VALUE

Call the Chamber office for more information

793-2546!

FEB 2013 – PROGRAMS AND SERVICES SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS BY SENATOR EMMERSON

Provided By Senator Bill Emmerson

There are many challenges to starting and running a successful small business. According to the Small Business Administration, nationwide only about half of all new small businesses survive five years or more and about one-third survive 10 years or more. Many small business owners find themselves needing help in the first few years of their business – whether it’s to obtain financial assistance or start the business in the first place.

This briefing report is intended to spread the word about many of the programs and services offered in California, so that current small business owners, and those interested in starting a business, are able to compete, succeed, and “be a part of” the small business culture in California.

What’s Out There?

For potential and current small business owners, there are a variety of programs available from the state and federal governments. The table below lists whether the programs are available to potential or current small business owners. A description of each program available is detailed below.

Program

Available   to Potential Small Business Owner?

Available   to Current Small Business Owner

California Small Business   Certification Program

No

Yes

California Small Business Loan   Guarantee Program

Yes

Yes

California Small Business   Development Center Program

Yes

Yes

Permit Assistance

Yes

Yes

California State Trade and Export   Promotion (California STEP) Project

No

Yes


What are these Programs?

California’s Small Business Certification Program

The Small Business Certification Program was established to increase business opportunities for the California small business community. The program is administered by the Department of General Services’ Office of Small Business and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Services.

To be eligible for certification, a small business must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be independently owned and operated;
  • Cannot be the dominant business in its field of operation;
  • Must have its principal office located in California, and its owners or officers must live in the state; and
  • Together with its affiliates, it must either be a business with 100 or fewer employees and gross receipts of $12 million or less over the previous three years, or a manufacturer with 100 or fewer employees.

There are a number of incentives available for businesses participating in the certification program, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • State law allows certified small business to receive a 5 percent bidding preference on applicable state solicitations. The effect of the preference is to help small businesses be more competitive in the bid process.
  • Certified small businesses are eligible for the state’s Small Business Participation Program. The program sets a goal for the use of small businesses in at least 25 percent of the state’s overall annual contract dollars.

More information on California’s Small Business Certification Program can be found at:
http://www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/Programs/OSDS.aspx
(See also: “Briefing Report: Certification Opens Doors for Small Businesses,” published on January 15, 2009.)

California’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

The California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program (SBLGP) is administered by the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency and is designed to help small businesses owners who are having problems getting a loan through the normal process or do not have a favorable credit history. To be eligible the business must be located in California and be classified as a small business. The loan can be used for any purpose such as hiring new employees, buying new equipment, expanding into a new facility, etc. Loans can be in the amount of up to $500,000. Interest is negotiated between the borrower and the lender, and the loan term may be extended up to 7 years. Small businesses owners that employ 500 people or less may apply for a SBLGP loan by contacting a Financial Development Corporation (FDC). To locate the nearest FDC, or to find out more information on the SBLGP, visit http://www.bth.ca.gov/sblgp.htm.

California’s Small Business Development Center Program

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are part of a U.S. Small Business Administration partnership program uniting private enterprise, government, higher education and local nonprofit economic development organizations. In California there are 35 SBDC’s, including six regional centers throughout the state. Centers provide assistance at no cost to anyone interested in expanding or improving an existing business or starting a business for the first time. SBDC business clients work with business advisors to achieve a variety of goals: securing patents for intellectual property, launching upgraded websites, successfully bidding on contracts with federal or state government, financial analysis and restructuring of debt and many other projects. In addition, local and regional centers regularly hold free and /or low-cost seminars on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, starting a small business, growing your business, contracting with the state, and how to become a state certified small business. A complete listing of California’s SBDCs can be found at http://www.asbdc-us.org.

Permit Assistance

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development’s Permit Assistance Unit helps new business owners identify all of the permits needed to start a new or expand an existing business. The unit schedules pre-application meetings between businesses and the appropriate regulatory agencies to help streamline the permitting process, and acts as a neutral facilitator between state regulator agencies and businesses to resolve permitting issues. Their services are confidential and free. In some cases, a project manager may be assigned to personally guide an applicant through the permit process. Individuals may contact a Permit Assistance specialist by calling (877) 345-4633 or by visiting http://www.business.ca.gov/Programs/Permits.aspx.

In addition, in 1997 the CalGOLD program was established to assist businesses in finding the information they need to comply with environmental and other regulatory and permitting requirements. CalGOLD provides direct Internet links and contact information to state, local, regional, and federal permitting authorities. In addition, a number of current forms and permit applications are available on the site. To use CalGOLD visit www.calgold.ca.gov.

California State Trade and Export Promotion (California STEP) Project

The California STEP project is a three-year pilot trade and export initiative authorized by the federal Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The STEP Program is designed to help increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to raise the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting so they can grow and create jobs. Services offered through the program include, but are not limited to, customized product/promotion localization assistance, matchmaking services connecting small businesses to potential customers, and follow up support to assist firms in closing deals.

In order to take advantage of the services provided under the STEP program, businesses must meet the following guidelines:

  • Comply with the U.S. Small Business Administration size standards
  • Have been in business for not less than the 1-year period ending on the date on which assistance is provided under a STEP      grant
  • Operating profitably, based on operations in the United States
  • Demonstrated understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping
  • Have in effect a strategic plan for exporting

More information on the California STEP project can be found at:
http://www.californiastep.org.

Helpful Websites for Small Businesses

In addition to the programs and services mentioned above, there are a number of other websites that provide helpful information to small business owners, including, but not limited to, the following:

Company

Website

Purpose
Business USA

http://business.usa.gov

Provides comprehensive information   about government grants and programs available to small business owners.
California Small Business   Assistance Center

http://www.taxes.ca.gov/Small_Business_Assistance_Center

Provides a variety of tools to   help small businesses understand and plan for their tax responsibilities.
SCORE

http://www.score.org

Provides access to business   planning and financial templates, as well as links to relevant business   webinars. Offers access to local small business seminars located at offices   all over the United States.
Small Business Administration

http://www.sba.gov

Provides valuable tips, grant   information, suggestions and help growing small businesses.
California Association of   Independent Business, Inc.

http://www.caib.net

Includes information on a range of   small businesses’ issues, including information on small business   legislation.
California Chamber of Commerce

http://www.calchamber.com

California Small Business   Association

http://www.csba.com

National Federation of Independent   Business

http://www.nfib.com

Small Business California

http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org

Conclusion

Representing half of America’s workforce, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. As such, it is important that we start spreading the word about available programs and services that are in place to help businesses survive and thrive in California. Doing so may encourage entrepreneurship, and prevent long-standing small businesses from leaving the state.

California needs to remain a place where small business owners feel “if I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” Educating the public about these programs, and continuing to make them available to current or future entrepreneurs, will ensure the success of California’s Small Business population.

 

FEB 2013 – BARICH PASSES THE GAVEL

Past President Paul Barich, Barich & Associates, turned over the reigns of the Chamber to, Daney Bachiu, Redlands Blueprint & Commercial Press at the Annual Installation Dinner and Civics Award Ceremony. “For the first time in more than 20 years a woman president will lead the organization”, noted Chamber Board Member Jennifer Dobbs, University of Redlands, as she placed a crown on Bachiu’s head, “This is more coronation than installation.”

During the evening Mike Hokana, Freeman Office Products, was announced the winner of the coveted Ambassador of the Year Award. He was selected for the prestigious honor for the hours of service to the Chamber attending meetings, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, special events and doing whatever was needed or asked of him.

George Barich, ISU Insurance was named Man of the Year, Peggy Brier, was announced as Woman of the Year, Stg. Mike Reiss was acknowledged as Police Officer of the Year and Captain Richard Sessler was named Fire Fighter of the Year.

FEB 2013 – MEMBER PROFILE – BRAKE MASTERS

Brake Masters® was founded in June 1983 by the Laytin brothers in Tucson, Arizona. The Redlands store is conveniently located at 1705 W. Lugonia Avenue.

From its inception, Brake Masters was dedicated to providing customers with an “Honest Brake,” meaning that customers are only sold services that are needed or required according to manufacturer specifications. This philosophy was—and is— a radical shift from the high pressure over-selling that is common in the automotive repair business.

The ASE certified technicians and store managers are trained to diagnose and advise customers on services they need to maintain and repair their vehicles, and in particular, to extend the life of their vehicles. This philosophy has led to Brake Masters’ remarkable growth and is evident in everything they do— from how they hire and train their team members, to how they treat their customers every day.

Their team members take P.R.I.D.E. in their work—”Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence,” and they are confident you’ll notice when you visit one the Redlands store.

But Brake Masters isn’t just your “Complete Car Center”, they are also a part of the local community. For over 30 years, they have been committed to participating in community events, and are proud to be making a difference not just for their customers, but for their neighbors, too. Brake Masters has been involved with charitable giving, with numerous donations to worthy non-profit organizations in the community and region for years.

Providing a full range of services from alignments to bearing and  seals, electrical repairs to air conditioning service and more Brake Master is your “Complete Car Care” service stop. The team of service specialist will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your car care, call them at 909 792-0351, or visit them on line at www.brakemasters.com.

 

FEB 2013 – MEMBER PROFILE – CLARK’S NUTRITION AND NATURAL FOODS MARKET

Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets have been family owned and operated since 1972. A leader in the Natural Products Markets Clark’s has a wide selection of Whole and Organic foods, Organic Produce, bulk foods, Dairy and deli items, prepared foods and a full frozen foods selection in all our stores. Clark’s is a leader in Vitamins, Supplements, Sports Nutrition, Herbs and bulk teas, Heath & Beauty products, and Homeopathic remedies. Four generations of Clark family members and employees have continued to bring healthy living to as many individuals that desire a healthy life. The team at Clark’s Nutrition has a passion for making a difference in the way you shop for health. They pride themselves in providing you with quality products and personalized customer service. They strive to answer your questions to help you make smarter and healthier decisions when buying natural products.

The heritage of Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Foods Market can be traced to the early days of mom and pop health food stores. Jim Clark, the company’s founder purchased the first Riverside location in 1972 in downtown Riverside. The Riverside store featured a sit down restaurant that was voted one of Riverside’s best in a 1985 Press Enterprise poll. The demand for supplements and natural foods grew so much that the store was soon forced to close the restaurant to make room for them.

Jim’s son, Ray Clark, CEO, brought the second generation into the already successful company by purchasing the second store in San Bernardino on E Street in 1977. Ray’s sons, Bruce & Jeff Clark representing the third generation, entered the company in 1980. The management of the Riverside and San Bernardino stores consolidated in 1985. In 1990, the historic DeAnza Theater building at 12th and Market Street became new Riverside home and corporate headquarters with 12,000 square feet of retail space.

With resurgence in demand for healthy cuisine, the Riverside store opened a gourmet delicatessen by popular demand, to please the breakfast and lunch natural food connoisseurs, and revive the original reputation which was to be one of the first natural foods restaurants.

Soon after Clark’s opened its third and newest proto-type in 1992, a 25,000 square-foot natural foods store, in Loma Linda CA. This store featuring a comprehensive produce department with an emphasis on organic produce and an in-store gourmet kitchen providing organic gourmet and vegan meals cooked on the premises for take-out convenience.

Our grocery department offers the largest selection of natural foods in its region. This location offers the most extensive line of supplements available in the industry.

Consistent yearly sales increases provided the momentum for the fourth location in Rancho Mirage in 2005, to further strengthen an already solid market position. The newest store represents the largest natural foods market in the Coachella Valley, at 26,000 square feet. New product categories were introduced, featuring one of the largest organic wine selections in the industry and a government certified organic café. This “state of the art” location stayed consistent in sales growth and increased profitability since the opening of the store.

Clark’s equates success not with size but with integrity, responsibility and service. CNNFMI’s mission is to remain the premier provider of natural foods and supplements in the industry and vision is to expand that reputation where opportunity exists, educating consumers in making informed decisions.

Clark’s Nutrition Natural Foods Market equates success with integrity, responsibility and service. Their mission is to remain the premier provider of natural foods and supplements in the industry and their vision is to expand that reputation where opportunity exists, educating consumers in making informed decisions.

The Loma Linda Market is located at 11235 Mountain View Avenue, Loma Linda. You can shop on line at www.clarksnutrition.com or call at 909 478-7714.

 

FEB 2013 – CITY PRIORITIES FOR 2013 by Council Member Bob Gardner

We all try to take a fresh approach as we start a new year.  As I look at 2013, here is what I hope we accomplish in the City of Redlands:

1.         Financial stability:  We have approved balanced city budgets that have maintained critical services and programs, protected and built reserves, reduced the need to borrow from other funds, and invested in important infrastructure projects.    In 2013 we must continue this strategy as we finish the 2012-2013 fiscal year, and review and approve the 2013-2014 budget.

2.         Labor contracts:   We successfully concluded labor negotiations with our fire workforce that will save the city over $1 million annually when fully implemented.   Our fire employees are to be commended for stepping up and agreeing to selected changes in their contacts that will provide savings over the next several years.   Our challenge in 2013 is to resolve the remaining contracts consistent with our fire employee example.

3.         Economic development:   One of our most important priorities has been to pursue economic development aggressively to expand our business community and to increase revenues.   We will continue this effort in 2013, hopefully with even more success as new businesses choose to locate and expand in Redlands.

4.         Infrastructure investments:   Our major street paving project is under way.  This project will dramatically improve most Redlands streets, especially those in the worst condition.   Similar projects are also ongoing to replace our water lines.  But more work is needed in 2013 and future years to replace and repair the rest of our aging infrastructure.   Funds to support these projects are a challenge, but we must work harder to identify funding and move ahead.   Waiting to pursue these projects only increases the costs.

5.         Children and Youth Programs:   We are in the midst of a major study of all Redlands programs and services aimed at children and youth, no matter what funding source.   This study will help us set future priorities for city investments in these areas.  Important concerns regarding youth after-school programs, financial assistance for sports/recreation programs, increasing child obesity/poor fitness rates, and the adequacy of our park facilities should be addressed in 2013.

Of course there are other important issues the Council will focus on in 2013.   I know we will work closely with the business community as well as other groups and individuals, to ensure we make Redlands a great place to live, work, and play.

 

FEB 2013 – PRESIDENT’S ARTICLE BY DANEY BACHIU

I am getting used to Kathie’s reminders of my Presidential duties. My response has gone from “MY WHAT!??” to “Oh, ok”.  So here I sit very late at night when most people are sound asleep, well at least most normal people. I find it very peaceful this late, when not a creature is stirring.  During the day, I have a bad case of what I call “Popcorn Brain”, my thoughts just bouncing around with every interruption.

My installation/coronation was on January 17th, when I officially became President /Queen of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.  Kathie Thurston and Jan Nowlin, the heart and soul of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, not only support my business efforts, but they were right there encouraging me as I gave my first public speech, a terrifying experience for me. I was given a giant gavel for my presidency which I got to hold for 30 seconds before it was taken away, and a crown for my queenly coronation which I got to keep, an experience I will not soon forget.

So, what is happening in February?  Oh yes, President’s Day. Not that I aspire to the greatness of Presidents Washington and Lincoln, but it does give one a sense of duty and responsibility when you are president of an organization.  I continue my mission to bring in a new member as I talk some ears off, as I honestly believe that a business receives so much more in benefits than what they give in membership fees.  Once again, I ask that our members try to sign up at least one other member during the year.  If you know of someone who may be interested but don’t want to talk to them, please let me know and I will be glad to go and talk with them about the benefits of becoming a Redlands Chamber of Commerce member.

February is also Valentine’s Day. Now it is a little harder to tie in Valentine’s with its mushy lala-lovey dovey theme, but love is about relationships . In a love relationship, you want to do things for the other person, you want them to grow into being better and you stand by your loved ones side in good times and bad; you defend your loved one when someone or something tries to do them harm. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce does the exact same thing in its relationship with the business community without the hugging and kissing. They always have your back when it comes to what best for doing business in Redlands.

Until next month.

 

 

JAN 2013 – CHAMBER OFFERS PRIVILEGE TO PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

 Redlands Chamber of Commerce President’s Circle

 The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is now offering a unique and exciting opportunity to our local businesses, and community leaders.

“Extraordinary Benefits for Distinguished Members”.

 $1000.000 Annual membership in the Circle includes:

 Membership includes;

Name and company name listed on Chamber Letterhead

Name and Company logo listed in the Directory and on the chamber website

Annual ticket for Rise ‘n Shine

Logo on banner proudly displayed in chamber office

Name in each edition of chamber electronic newsletter

One E-blast semi annually

2 tickets to each Chamber mixer

2 tickets to State of the Community luncheon

2 tickets to Annual Installation Dinner

Press release announcing President’s Circle appointment

Ad on the City Street Map – NEW, $475 VALUE

Ad in the Annual Business Directory – NEW, $475 VALUE

 

Call the Chamber office for more information

793-2546!

JAN 2013 – PRESIDENT’S ARTICLE BY DANEY BACHIU

I can’t say I am sorry to see 2012 go, it was not a great year for me; but, we have seen an increase in blueprint activity for the past six months, a sure indication the economy is on the mend, so I am looking forward to a much better 2013.

Hmmmm, there seems to be something about 2013…something I’m supposed to do…Then it all comes home to roost when Kathie Thurston, our Executive Director, tells me, “your first column for the newsletter is due next week.” MY WHAT??! Obviously there is a huge discrepancy between my version of “easy” and Ms. Thurston’s. The woman needs to run for office as she has all the makings of a politician. None-the-less, I did agree to be President of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, so I am stepping out of my comfort zone in order to grow… so here it goes.

There is no better advocate for local business than our Redlands Chamber of Commerce. They take up their swords and do battle daily with city, county, state and federal government on behalf of the membership. They constantly have our backs so we can go about doing the things we do best, making pizza, brewing beer, selling insurance and printing blueprints.

Thank you very much for your membership and supporting that effort, I look forward to working with you this year. I would also ask your help in bringing in at least one business to become a member. The membership dues are a small pittance compared to having an attorney write a letter on your behalf, or having one of the government entities add some kind of “fee” to one of your bills. This happens when there is no one there to shout “Wait a minute, this is unfair to businesses” This is what our Redlands Chamber of Commerce does…they have a “mighty voice” and thank God for that.

Never in my wildest dreams did I aspire to be a President or a Madam and now I am both.

Here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2013.

 

Madame President

JAN 2013 – AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE IS THE NATION’S LEADING MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION COMPANY

American Medical Response (AMR) serves more communities and customers than any other private ambulance service provider in the nation. Founded in 1992 AMR consolidated  several well-established regional ambulance providers into a single company.  AMR was created in response to changes in health care reimbursement, the demands of new technology and the growth of managed care plans, which created a need to build a larger provider network. AMR expanded in 1997 when it merged with Med Trans, making it the largest ambulance service provider in the U.S. In 2005, AMR management and Onex Partners L.P. purchased AMR and its sister company, EmCare, from Laidlaw International. AMR expanded its lines of service with a new international EMS division in 2005 with the formation of Global Medical Response (GMR). AMR acquired Air Ambulance Specialists (AASI) in 2006. AASI arranges domestic and international fixed-wing air ambulance service. By acquiring AASI, AMR now offers a full spectrum of ground and air-based emergency medical transportation options. Today, AMR is a leader in the emergency medical services sector which is known for implementing and providing the industry’s best practices.

Nearly 17,000 paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), nurses, doctors and support staff combine to make-up the strength of a national company with personalized care.  AMR’s national reach and extensive experience allows them to deliver a wide range of services to communities nationwide, from managing entire emergency medical systems to private-public partnerships that best serve an area’s needs.   From emergency 9-1-1 calls and non-emergency transports to specialized medical teams that serve remote wilderness areas and more, AMR has the strength to provide patients and customers with the right service at the right time.

Almost 8,600 times each day, AMR caregivers respond to patients in need of emergency medical care and transportation. These professionals must be prepared to provide high-quality care in a variety of situations – from critical life threatening injury and illness to non-emergency transportation from the hospital to home.

At AMR, they meet the needs of these patients every day. They set high standards of clinical excellence for their caregivers, managers and educators. For AMR, clinical excellence involves having the tools, knowledge, judgment, skills and passion to perform at the highest level. It requires providing caregivers with education and training that meets or exceeds current industry standards.

Clinical excellence at AMR also involves providing refresher courses and ongoing education to keep our caregivers trained on current trends in emergency medicine practices. It also requires a robust quality assurance program that requires that all patient encounters meet their rigorous clinical and customer service standards.

AMR’s clinical excellence programs ensure that the patients and the communities they serve receive the highest-quality levels of pre-hospital services. It’s just one of the reasons why AMR is a leading ambulance service provider in the U.S.